Bullet seating

How do you set up the bullet seating die in your press? How much variance do you have in oal after setting the die? I am getting 3-4 thousands difference.

If you are seating a bthp bullet, the tip alone on a hp bullet can vary by .010". If it's a plastic tip, it shouldn't vary but by a few thousandths. .003-.004" is not bad. If you measure from the ogive of the bullet, that will tell you your actual variance. Most tips on bullets will vary a little, so 3-4 k isn't bad.

Chad I am using Barnes tsx in a 7-08. Would the micrometer type do a better job?

I don't know if you have one, but a bullet comparator is what you need. It measure from the ogive of the bullet. Like
Chad said, a small variation is not a problem.

This.

Measuring O.A.L. to the tip of the bullet is not as accurate and consistent as measuring from case head to bullet ogive.

Thanks guys, now someone tell me what it
Looks like. What brand to buy.

Go to Sinclair or Midway and look at Hornady bullet comparator. Can get a set or individual ones for your caliber. They attach to your micrometer and easy to use.

I prefer to use this Sinclair Hex Nut to measure the ogive. It's faster and easier to use. May other shooters use the Hornady comparator, so I have one of those also to use from their reference numbers. But for using around the shop for my own use, I like the Sinclair hex nut better.

This may be a dumb question but is that long enough to measure overall length?

The hex nut is 1" long and has holes in it that the bullet goes into. You put the .308" bullet in the 30 cal hole, and put it in your caliper, and measure the ogive length.

I stole this picture off the web.

I didn't even know that existed. That is very cool!

Heck I could make that!

The hex nut is what I use for all my "internal" measurements for my ammo. The main problem you run into when someone gives you an ogive measurement, is you need to know what tool they used to get this measurement. There are several companies that make various ogive tools, and they will all give you various lengths.

So I saw the picture on Sinclair and it had the stand and the gauge on it. I thought that was part of the unit. I see its just the nut.

I wish #1 had 6.8 as opposed to .25. I may have to order me one. I think those are better than the hornady design

I like the Hornady because it actually attaches to the caliper. Like Chad says though...both will work.

I have the hornady and have been happy. That said if I would have seen the nut I may have bought it instead, simpler design.

That Sinclair is cool. If I had not already invested in the Hornady I would give it a try.